What is Omaze?
Founded in 2012 by Stanford University alumni Matthew Pohlson and Ryan Cummins, Omaze operates as an innovative online fundraising platform. The company distinguishes itself by offering users the chance to win extraordinary prizes, such as luxury homes and supercars, in exchange for donations to various charitable organizations. This model effectively merges entertainment with philanthropy, creating a compelling proposition for both donors and the nonprofits it supports. Omaze's strategy has positioned it as a leader in alternative fundraising, leveraging high-value incentives to drive engagement and generate substantial contributions for a wide array of causes.
How much funding has Omaze raised?
Omaze has raised a total of $129M across 5 funding rounds:
Angel/Seed
$1M
Multiple Rounds
$43M
Series C
$85M
Angel/Seed (2012): $1M with participation from Paige Craig, Dave Gilboa, Andre Agassi Foundation, Adam Press, and Kevin Wall
Debt (2020): $1M led by PPP
Series B (2020): $30M supported by Tusk Ventures, Causeway Media Partners, FirstMark Capital, Gaingels, Inherent Group, Guy Oseary, and BDM International
Series A (2020): $12M, investors not publicly disclosed
Series C (2021): $85M backed by FirstMark Capital, T Ventures Management, Causeway Media Partners, WndrCo, and Louis Bacon's Moore Strategic Ventures
Key Investors in Omaze
FirstMark Capital
FirstMark Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York City, specializing in information and document management, likely focusing on technology-driven companies.
Tusk Ventures
Tusk Ventures is a New York-based firm operating within the financial services sector, potentially investing in companies with innovative business models.
Inherent Group
Inherent Group is an investment firm dedicated to sustainability-linked strategies, focusing on long-term opportunities and ESG factors, suggesting an interest in companies with a positive social impact.
What's next for Omaze?
With its recent major strategic investment and substantial total funding, Omaze is poised for continued expansion and innovation. The company's enterprise-level backing suggests a focus on scaling its operations, potentially exploring new prize offerings, expanding its network of nonprofit partners, and enhancing its digital platform. The strategic nature of the recent financing indicates a forward-looking approach, likely aimed at solidifying its market leadership and exploring new avenues for growth within the social impact and entertainment sectors. Omaze's unique blend of high-stakes giveaways and charitable giving positions it for sustained success.
See full Omaze company page
